Ex Cathedra is about singing excellence. From its home in Birmingham, it aims to explore, discover, commission and perform the finest choral music and to share its knowledge, expertise and love of singing with as many people as possible through high quality performances, workshops, education and training initiatives, and community projects not only in Birmingham and the West Midlands, but across the UK and internationally.

Founded in 1969 by Jeffrey Skidmore, the group has grown into a unique musical resource, comprising specialist chamber choir, vocal Consort, period-instrument orchestra and a thriving education programme.

Ex Cathedra’s Baroque Orchestra was the first period-instrument orchestra to be established in an English regional city, in 1983-84. It is a flexible ensemble combining many of Europe’s top period instrumentalists with talented young players, often with strong links to the region. The group's commitment to developing young players is an extension of its approach to the development of young singers.